`This is a book full to the brim with the joy, heartache and passion for the beautiful game. Along the way it deals with racism, disability, bullying, jealousy, young love, family life and friendship - all without a single patronising or forced word from beginning to end. It is written in beautiful clear prose and tells a story that every lover of football and life will instantly understand' ~ Melvin Burges; `YA novels featuring a protagonist from a "culturally diverse" space are rare. Pete Kalu's, The Silent Striker in which Marcus, a gifted footballer, confronts and overcomes many of the challenges of young people his age, is a welcome addition to British writing in this genre. The Silent Striker is a strong inspirational story about human aspiration, overcoming and achievement' ~ Jacob Ross, author; `Touching, funny and well tackled!'~ Dr Muli Amaye, novelist; `A richly compelling, emotionally resonant tale of courage" ~ Melanie Amri, award-winning author; `I have never understood the bigotry that has existed against deafness so I welcome a story that discusses it alongside cultural identity in a voice that is clear and understanding. This is a book that needs to be sat on every school library shelf as well as a role model of achievement. Well done Kalu' ~ SuAndi, OBE; `A compelling story about a boy losing his hearing. Pete Kalu is a wise and sensitive storyteller' ~ Rajeev Balasubramanyam, author
Pete Kalu is a novelist, playwright and poet and has previously won the BBC Playwrights Award, The Voice/Jamaica Information Service Marcus Garvey Scholarship Award and Contact/BBC Dangerous Comedy Prize. Other books in the STRIKER series by Pete: The Silent Striker and Zombie Xl. His adult fiction: Lick Shot, Little Jack Horner, Professor X, Yard Dogs and Black Star Rising. Pete Kalu lives in Manchester, UK.